Carl,
I have a 28" WEGA as well. 28" is enough to see them. I can see them on 24" sets as well. RPTV is a different technology and therefore doesn't show up the scanlines in the same way as a CRT due to the projection involved compared to the excitation of phosphors on a tube coating.
PAL and NTSC have a different resolution and yes, this small difference is sufficient to warrant PAL superiority. Yes, anamorphic PAL is indeed also superior to anamorphic NTSC in this respect. The scanlines on anamorphic NTSC are visible too, although less so. However, it is not sufficient to restrict my purchase of anamorphic NTSC DVDs as I do not find it irritating as I really have to stare for the scanlines here. Also, note that because of the difference in resolution, when you watch an NTSC image on a "PAL TV" it has to be stretched a little in order to fill the same area of screen. If you want to check this, compare the on-screen volume display in NTSC and PAL - you'll see it's stretched in NTSC.
In the overall scheme of things, many other things determine whether PAL or NTSC deliver the best image finally. But here we are merely referring to the impact of resolution.
You should be chuffed that you can't see the scan lines because it means they are not irritating you!! If you want to keep staring in an effort to see them, then bright images (pure white) will show them up more.
Anyway, I think we should stop discussing this now on this thread because we are taking the thread off-topic. I am happy to explain further in private however, should you want further clarification.